Lasagna was always a staple in my parents household when I was growing up (my dad was Italian) and now my kids love it too. This recipe isn't as intricate as my dad's traditional recipe, but it still has a ton of flavor and is slightly easier to throw together.

Prep time 45 minutes. Cook time 50 minutes

By far the best lasagna I have made. After a few tries and changes I think everyone will agree this is the best lasagna. I have noticed lots of people posting this recipe on their websites and claiming it as theirs or family favorites of years, right down to the photo I took on my own dishes. I will take this as a form of flattery on a recipe that is excellent. So I have now added the description so you all will know where the original came from

Beef lasagna is a classic Italian dish made by layering cooked lasagna noodles with a rich meat sauce, cheese mixtures, and then baking until bubbly and golden.This beef lasagna recipe is made with an easy meat sauce as the base, a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and mozzarella cheese. BONUS: it’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly!This lasagna is easy to make. Cook the meat sauce and boil the lasagna noodles. Mix the cheeses mixture and then it is all about layering: meat sauce, lasagna, cheese. Repeat the layers ending up with meat sauce. Bake and allow to cool somewhat.Once removed from oven, allow the dish to rest for at least 15 minutes. I prefer to let it rest for 45 minutes as it will retain the heat. Besides, this makes it easy to slice and hold shape.Lasagna is one of the best meals to make ahead and freeze. Double or triple the recipe and store it tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

I decided to make my lasagna ricotta-free due to the fact that I have siblings who strongly dislike ricotta. This is a go-to recipe when your on a time crunch and need to throw something together quickly. The quantity of ingredients needed will differ depending on the size of your family, so you will have to estimate on what you will need in order to prepare this lasagna.

My favorite Christmas dinner

So good! :)

When I first got this recipe it was just a list of ingredients. I had to make it to get the directions down with enough sauce and meat.

I've made this several of times. It originally was a cheese lasagna but I tweaked it a little bit. I kind of merged it with another lasagna recipe. I suggest that you double the cheese mixture just because I always run out of it before I'm done. But other than that, I hope you enjoy this recipe.

since it wont let me add bake for 45 minutes